Windows operating system provides various ways to launch applications and programs. One of the quickest and most efficient methods is by using keyboard shortcuts. In this article, we will guide you on how to create a keyboard shortcut to launch an app from the Start menu in Windows.
Before we begin, it's important to note that not all applications can be launched using a keyboard shortcut from the Start menu. This method works for apps that have an entry or option in the Start menu.
Step 1: Locating the App in the Start Menu
The first step is to locate the app or program you want to create a keyboard shortcut for in the Start menu. Simply click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
Scroll through the list of apps until you find the one you want to create a shortcut for. If the app is not visible on the Start menu, you can search for it by typing its name in the search bar at the bottom of the Start menu.
Step 2: Creating a Desktop Shortcut
Once you have located the app in the Start menu, right-click on it. A context menu will appear with various options. Select the "More" option, and then click on "Open file location".
This will open the File Explorer window with the shortcut to the app selected. Right-click on the shortcut file, and again, a context menu will appear. Select the "Create shortcut" option.
A dialog box will appear asking if you want to create a shortcut on the desktop. Click "Yes" to create the shortcut on your desktop.
Step 3: Assigning a Keyboard Shortcut
Now that you have a desktop shortcut for the app, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to it. Right-click on the desktop shortcut and select "Properties" from the context menu.
In the Properties dialog box, navigate to the "Shortcut" tab. Here, you will see a field labeled "Shortcut key". Click on this field and press the key or combination of keys that you want to use as the keyboard shortcut.
Windows will automatically add the "Ctrl + Alt" prefix to the key or combination of keys you press. For example, if you press the "P" key, the shortcut will be assigned as "Ctrl + Alt + P".
Once you have entered the desired keyboard shortcut, click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Step 4: Testing the Keyboard Shortcut
Now that you have created and assigned a keyboard shortcut to the app, it's time to test if it works. Close any open windows or applications and press the assigned keyboard shortcut.
If everything has been set up correctly, the app should launch immediately without the need to navigate through the Start menu or desktop shortcuts.
If the app doesn't launch or if another program opens instead, double-check the keyboard shortcut you assigned in the previous step. Make sure it doesn't conflict with any existing system or application shortcuts.
That's it! You have successfully created a keyboard shortcut to launch an app from the Start menu in Windows. This method can save you time and make it more convenient to access your frequently used applications.
Conclusion
Using keyboard shortcuts to launch apps can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency. Windows allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts for apps that have an entry or option in the Start menu. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and assign keyboard shortcuts to your favorite apps.
References
| Reference | Link |
|---|---|
| Windows Support | https://support.microsoft.com/ |
| How-To Geek | https://www.howtogeek.com/ |
| PCWorld | https://www.pcworld.com/ |